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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and manage high-volume culinary operations at NEC Birmingham.
- Company: Join Levy, a leading global hospitality partner known for unforgettable guest experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare, 23 days' leave, and exciting perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while creating memorable culinary experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing high-volume kitchens and a passion for guest service.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to innovation and excellence in hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for a passionate Head Chef to join the innovative team at NEC Birmingham - the UK’s largest event space! As Head Chef you will lead retail culinary operations; ensuring kitchens run safely and efficiently, leading a passionate kitchen team, and enabling us to exceed guest expectations for world-class events, conferences, and exhibitions.
If you have the culinary and leadership skills to manage a high-volume kitchen in a dynamic retail environment, we want to hear from you!
Retail Head Chef - The role- Leading on building efficient and commercially viable labour plans and food and beverage orders for large-scale events using key sales insights
- Managing budgets, labour, and stock control to ensure high-quality and cost-effective menu solutions
- Supporting with continued business improvements and profitability
- Maintaining SOP standards in the operational area
- Leading on delivering all health & safety and food safety standards
- Championing the Levy brand standards and delivering an outstanding guest experience
- Monitoring guest feedback and implementing improvements to enhance overall service level
- Acting as a role model for the team, supporting training and development
- Acting as duty manager, allocating kitchen duties and responsibilities to all culinary team members and providing on shift support to colleagues
- Supporting with relevant event and kitchen roles in the business / venues including Support Chef, FPA or Kitchen Assistant
- Experience managing a high-volume kitchen in a retail environment
- Previous experience adhering to safety policies and procedures
- Ability to think on your feet and adapt to whatever challenges arise
- Has an awareness of commercial drivers
- A keen eye for detail and consistent desire to uphold high standards
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Passion for guest experience and service excellence
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Competitive salary and full company benefits
- 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
- Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
- Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Family benefits: 2 days’ additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby’s first birthday, enhanced family leave
- Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off Pure Gym memberships
- Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
- Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways
- Meals on duty included
Why join us? Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality. We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive. Together, we create unforgettable experiences - and shape the future of hospitality.
Retail Head Chef - NEC Birmingham employer: Levy UK
Contact Detail:
Levy UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Head Chef - NEC Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in high-volume kitchens. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and kitchen management experiences. This visual representation can really impress potential employers and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Levy and their values. Understand their commitment to sustainability and guest experience, and be ready to discuss how your culinary philosophy aligns with theirs. It shows you're genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our innovative team at NEC Birmingham. Let’s make some unforgettable experiences together!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Head Chef - NEC Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for culinary arts shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about leading a kitchen team in a dynamic environment like NEC Birmingham.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight your experience managing high-volume kitchens and adhering to safety standards. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of delivering unforgettable guest moments!
Be Specific: Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to adapt in fast-paced situations. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our innovative team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Levy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Levy UK
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Brush up on your culinary techniques and menu ideas. Be ready to discuss your experience managing high-volume kitchens and how you ensure food safety and quality. They’ll want to see your passion for food and service excellence!
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a kitchen team in the past. Talk about how you allocate duties, support training, and maintain high standards. They’re looking for someone who can inspire and manage a diverse team effectively.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with budget management and stock control. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used sales insights to create commercially viable menus. Showing that you understand the financial aspects of running a kitchen will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Fast-Paced Scenarios
Think of examples where you’ve had to think on your feet in a dynamic environment. They’ll want to know how you handle challenges and adapt quickly. Show them you thrive under pressure and can keep the kitchen running smoothly!
